New York Knicks: Scott Perry wants Frank Ntilikina to improve outside shot

New York Knicks general manager Scott Perry wants to see Frank Ntilikina improve from a disappointing second season.

The NBA offseason is an opportunity to not only rebuild and regroup, but improve. The New York Knicks have all of that to work on this summer, including players under contract for the 2019-20 season.

Frank Ntilikina might have the most to tinker with of all. His sophomore season produced more lows than highs, which included opening the year in the starting lineup. Otherwise, it was marred by offensive slumps, sitting multiple games via head coach David Fizdale’s decision and injuries.

Knicks general manager Scott Perry — aware of this — wants Ntilikina to improve as an outside shooter, per Chris Iseman of NorthJersey.com:

"“I think the one thing that he wants to work on, that we want him to work on, is to continue to grow as a perimeter shooter,” Perry said. “Being able to make open three-point shots. That’s where the game is headed. And I think he will attack that this summer with a lot of vigor.”"

As Perry alluded to, the NBA has become a jump-shooting league. It is basically a requirement to have an outside game and stretch the floor. Those who don’t are rim-running centers or regulate to a reserve role.

Ntilikina made just 33.7 percent of his shots in 2018-19 and just 28.7 percent on three-pointers. Both were below his rookie averages, and while injuries contributed to the recent numbers, there was little sign of improvement, except the 18-point game upon return from the coach-imposed benching.

The Frenchman might not hold a guaranteed spot for next season, however, if the previous trade rumors meant anything. He was a draft pick weeks before Scott Perry and Steve Mills took over the front office from Phil Jackson in June 2017.

If no deal happens, Ntilikina’s role for 2019-20 is in question. He could have point guard minutes, but only if Kyrie Irving signs elsewhere and one of Emmanuel Mudiay or Kadeem Allen leave. Dennis Smith Jr.’s salary guarantees through next season, and he flashed enough promise, at age 21, to have another chance.

Ntilikina, though, will need to show improvement for any type of role. The defensive prowess is there, but contributing results are necessary to expand his role and become a confident part of Fizdale’s rotation.

The potential exists for him to exceed the past two seasons, but the development process can take years for any player. So Ntilikina might just need more time, whether on the Knicks or another interested team this offseason.